This fall crews restored 26 vistas between mileposts 49 and 74 in Virginia.

This highly technical work is done by an all National Park Service crew of arborists that come from as far away as Acadia National Park to help restore the Parkway’s views. Their work is well orchestrated and very impressive to watch!

The team is directed by Blue Ridge Parkway’s resident landscape architect, David Anderson.

Keep scrolling to enjoy photos from:

The restoration site

Before and after photos of multiple overlooks that were restored

The Lipscombe-Garrett Cemetery (MP 50.9)

Overlook Before and After Photos:

The staff visit to the vista restoration site to watch the AIR Team also gave us the opportunity to visit a Parkway cemetery, Lipscombe-Garrett, just down the road at MP 50.9, guided by Norwood Morrison who has adopted the cemetery. It was a humbling experience to hear the land tell us small parts of the family’s story on a chilly fall day.

Against the backdrop of the fall colors on the ground, the wire fence of the adjoining cemeteries was slightly hidden.

With the fallen leaves on the ground, it was hard to see the simple rock headstones marking the graves. There were a couple engraved headstones to tell us who treasured the land around us.

The foundation of what is thought to be an old one-room schoolhouse was close by too.

At the request of the Blue Ridge Parkway Maintenance out of Gillespie Gap, the Crabtree Falls FRIENDS Chapter and the NC High Peaks Trail Association assisted in the cleanup of flood damage at Linville Falls on Monday, June 25. Eleven members and friends of the chapter worked on this project. The team had two goals:

Remove flood debris from the upper falls overlook area

Upright seven stone columns toppled and displaced by the flood

The team worked closely with three Parkway employees to get all this work done safely. They used rock bars and a hoist to reposition and upright the columns. The last photo shows five of the columns back in position while the crew works on the remaining two. Parkway Maintenance will install new railings to keep the public a safe distance from the river just above the falls.

Thank you to John Whitehouse for providing the work report and pictures.

]]>Celebrate 30 years of FRIENDS with “A Night on the Parkway” October 20, 2018https://www.friendsbrp.org/celebrate-30-years-of-friends-with-a-night-on-the-parkway-october-20-2018/
Fri, 08 Jun 2018 14:45:09 +0000https://www.friendsbrp.org/?p=13833

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of service to the Parkway!

The theater at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke will be transformed into a night on the Parkway under the stars!

Limited seats will be available for a pre-event presentation and meet & greet with Carlton Abbott. Carlton is an architect and artist from Williamsburg, VA and the son of Stanley Abbott the Parkway architect.

Heavy hors-d’oeuvres served around a theatrical bonfire while surrounded by a projected mountain-scape.

Music by Easy Pickins.

Silent art auction showcasing the history and culture of the Blue Ridge.

Earlier this Spring, Cary Simms, FRIENDS Fisher Peak Chapter Chair, and Aubrey Arrington, Volunteer/Trails Coordinator and Former Ranger, were interviewed on Classic Country 98.1 FM WBRF in Galax VA as part of the “Breakfast at Eight” radio program. During the interview, they discuss their Chapter activities in the area and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

They share some great information about the overall organization and how their chapter is supporting the National Park Service. Take a listen! The interview is split while they take a break to play some music so make sure you click on Part 2 to hear the rest of the story.

The National Park Service invites you to attend the 2018 Blue Ridge Parkway Season Preview, a showcase of upcoming Parkway activities and projects. Parkway staff will provide a “behind the scenes” look to promote awareness and understanding of the National Park Service’s stewardship mission.

Park staff will be available at information stations to answer questions and discuss projects such as restoration of historic facilities including Humpback Rocks Farm, vista management, resource education initiatives, and more.

Drop in and stay as long as you like!

“We’re excited to welcome park neighbors, visitors, and all those who love this place, to spend time learning about how our management decisions today translate into projects that serve to protect our resources and enhance visitor experiences for years to come.”

J.D. Lee, incoming Parkway Superintendent

Representatives from Parkway partner groups, including:

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Blue Ridge Parkway Association

will also be on hand to discuss how each supports the Parkway and how to get involved.

Additionally, representatives from Roanoke County will be on hand to describe ongoing programs and upcoming projects at Explore Park.

]]>Starr Hill Brewery Beers with Benefits to Support FRIENDShttps://www.friendsbrp.org/starr-hill-brewery-beers-with-benefits-to-support-friends/
Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:25:14 +0000https://www.friendsbrp.org/?p=13593Starr Hill Brewery has selected FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be the recipient of their Beers with Benefits promotion. We will receive a portion of sales on their three flagship beers (The Love, Northern Lights IPA and Grateful Pale Ale) sold in Virginia during April, May and June. Live in Virginia but don’t know where to find Starr Hill The Love, Northern Lights IPA and Grateful Pale Ale? Use the Starr Hill Beer Finder to find locations near you!

Speaker Background: Richard “Butch” Kelly is married to Betty Kelly and has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Butch’s interests include hiking, nature study, photography, and reading. His education includes a BS in Biology from West Virginia University, and an MS in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His work experience includes 26 years of teaching science for Roanoke County Schools and 9 years as Energy Manager for Roanoke County Schools as well. His favorite job was 13 seasons as a National Park Service Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We appreciate the dedication and interest you’ve demonstrated to the Parkway, so we want to specially invite YOU to join us for a hands-on workday improving the visitor experience at campgrounds and picnic areas.

Where?

Along the Entire Parkway!

We’ll be working at each of the campgrounds: Otter Creek, Peaks of Otter, Rocky Knob, Doughton Park, Julian Price, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Pisgah.